Nigeria Bans Degree From Kenya

The Nigerian government has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit academic credentials, suspending the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo. This move, announced by Nigerian Education Minister Tahir Mamman, aims to curb the prevalence of fake certificates issued by dubious institutions.

In a press statement on Wednesday, Mamman revealed that the suspension would not be limited to Benin and Togo, as the government plans to extend its scrutiny to other nations, including Uganda, Kenya, and Niger Republic. The decision is prompted by concerns that citizens from these countries are utilizing fraudulent certificates to secure employment opportunities within Nigeria.

The crackdown was triggered by an investigative journalist’s revelation that he obtained a university degree from Benin Republic after just 60 days of study. Shockingly, he successfully applied for and was deployed to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) using this dubious qualification.

A subsequent investigation exposed a broader trend, wherein Nigerians were acquiring manipulated academic credentials from foreign countries, exploiting them to gain employment back home. Minister Mamman strongly condemned these individuals, categorizing them as criminals rather than victims of unscrupulous institutions.

“I have no sympathy for such people. Instead, they are part of the criminal chain that should be arrested,” Mamman asserted, emphasizing the severity of the issue.

Despite the sweeping measures, the minister did not specify whether the sanction encompasses all universities in the flagged countries, leaving a degree of uncertainty.

The Kenyan government has yet to respond to the situation, and it remains unclear how this development will impact educational institutions within Kenya.

This stringent stance by Nigeria signifies a broader effort to maintain the integrity of academic qualifications and safeguard against fraudulent practices. As the government extends its scrutiny to additional nations, the global community awaits further details on the scope and implications of these measures.